|
Frequently Asked
Questions
What is the purpose of South Texas Children’s Home Ministries International Childcare?
STCHM is committed to the care and development of orphans and at-risk children through evangelism and loving interactions; providing needed resources such as food, medical and dental clinics, and training for parents and teachers; and construction projects for orphanages, schools, and churches. STCHM also manages and encourages international child sponsorship through our Samuel’s Fund program. STCHM is firmly committed to an on-going partnership with local churches, Christian schools, and childcare organizations who are dedicated to caring for children and strengthening families. You can be assured that the seeds of your efforts will be nurtured and continued as you return home.
What experience do you have in mission trips?
Joanna Berry, STCHM Vice-President of International Ministry, has a long history of experience in Latin America. Raised in the Dominican Republic by missionary parents, she has traveled and been involved with missionary activities in many countries and speaks Spanish fluently. She will organize and supervise all trips while coordinating with local Christian leaders and service organizations.
What kinds of ministry activities and projects are available?
Children’s Ministries – Backyard Bible Clubs, VBS, camp and recreational activities, handcrafts, puppets, musical and drama programs, or taking an orphan or needy child shopping or on an outing to the zoo or beach.
Medical Ministry – medical, dental and eye clinics.
Construction Ministry – children’s benches and desks, chapels, school and camp facilities.
Teacher Training and Workshops – to help Dominican teachers gain new skills and strategies.
Parent Education – health, nutrition and parenting skills.
How can I sign up to go on a mission trip?
Select your trip, complete and submit the application form online before the application deadline or as early as possible. If preferred, you can download the application form to complete and mail to South Texas Children’s Home Ministries, 4438 South Staples, Corpus Christi, TX 78411.
After preliminary confirmation is received, download the mission trip agreement, sign and notarize, and return to the above address with your $200 non-refundable deposit which will be applied to the cost of the trip. Final acceptance will be confirmed at this time. Spaces are limited and may fill up quickly. STCHM reserves the right to cancel any trip, and in that event, your deposit will be quickly refunded.
Who will make my travel arrangements?
Our staff will research the best rates and schedules available from your preferred departure city and contact you with a proposed itinerary and flight confirmation number.* Individuals will purchase their tickets directly from the airline with a personal credit card. For groups of 15 or more, STCHM will obtain group rates when possible, so please inquire about group rates and payment arrangements for groups of at least this size.
*You may make your own reservations, using airline mileage credits, but you must coordinate your arrival and departure times with the group or you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from the airport in the Dominican Republic.
What is the cost of going on a mission trip and what does it cover?
The complete land package price can vary between $750 and $950 for adults (inquire about discount for children under 12 years of age), depending on activities and accommodations. It includes transportation, food, bottled drinking water, lodging, recreation fees, interpreters and guides. The airfare is dependent on the season and other factors out of our control but typically runs between $600 to $800, which includes taxes and surcharges.
* Please note that prices are subject to change. However, firm prices for land and airfare costs will be quoted to you at the time a mission trip is booked.
How can I pay for the trip?
Land Package Cost – The balance of trip costs for the land portion of expenses (after the $200 deposit) is due 30 days before departure. Trip payments can be paid online with a credit card by clicking here. Please add 3% to your payment to cover the additional fee that STCHM is charged for online processing.
Airfare Cost – Individuals are responsible for purchasing their own airline ticket directly from the airline once STCHM has made ticket reservations for the whole team. Payment arrangements for airfare costs of groups of 15 or more may be available through STCHM.
How can friends and family help to sponsor my mission trip?
Friends and family members can contribute toward the STCHM mission trip scholarship fund as well as ministry expenses such as food for orphanages, school supplies, construction materials, medicines, etc. Donations can be made online or mailed to STCHM, 4438 S. Staples, Corpus Christi, TX, 78411. You may contact Joanna Berry at 361-991-8680 or jberry@stchm.org about receiving help for your trip expenses as scholarship funds are available.
A sample partnership letter is available for you to customize and send to interested individuals who may want to partner with you and with STCHM to accomplish the mission that God is calling us to do. Click here to view sample letter. We encourage you to make presentations to groups about the work you will be doing as well as the overall ministry of STCHM International Childcare.
What costs are NOT covered?
You will need additional pocket money for meals while traveling to and from the field, snacks and souvenirs.
What additional funds might we need to support our ministry projects?
Depending on the ministry activities, there may be a need for funds to cover expenses such as medicines for medical clinics, construction materials for a building project, or supplies for an orphanage or a school. These activities and approximate costs will be discussed and chosen according to your group’s interests and the needs of the ministry. Information will be provided to help you share these needs and opportunities for giving with interested individuals and church groups.
Do I need immunizations?
Immunizations are not required, but you should consult a qualified
medical professional for specific recommendations for your individual
needs.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, you must have a current passport to travel outside the United
States. Information on obtaining a passport can be obtained by
visiting your local post office, or on the web.
Who can go on a STCHM sponsored mission
trip?
STCHM is focused on family and church groups of all ages. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. It is recommended that children be at least 6 years of age or older. Also welcome are individuals with special skills such as health professionals, teachers, construction abilities along with all those who have a heart to love children and a desire to encourage and support those who minister to children in Jesus’ name. We are always in need of participants who have the ability to speak Spanish to help with interpretation and communication.
What are the accommodations like?
Trip accommodations depend on the ministry activities and location and can vary between dormitories or individual rooms for couples and families at a mission compound to hotel room accommodations. We try to honor special requests when possible. More specific information on accommodations will be provided in your confirmation packet for the trip you have selected.
What about the food and drinking water?
Bottled water is provided for drinking. You will enjoy a variety of
food, both American and native, carefully prepared either by the
ministry staff or in restaurants recommended by the staff. Many of our
mission trippers say with a smile, “You will definitely not lose
weight during your mission trip!”
If I sponsor a Samuel’s Fund child, can I
visit my Samuel’s Fund child while on a mission trip?
Yes, you can. Contact Joanna Berry at 361-991-8680 or
for information
and assistance.
South Texas Children’s Home
Ministries is a tax exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
P.O. Box 759, Beeville, TX 78104 • 361-375-2101
All Contents Copyright ©2012 - Site Design by
Jonathan Malm |
